Nitzer Ebb frontman Douglas McCarthy has been forced to withdraw from Nitzer Ebb's foreseeable live shows due to health concerns.

"After years of alcohol abuse, I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver," McCarthy " target="out">said in a statement about his condition shared via Instagram. "For more than two years I haven't been drinking, but recovery is a long process that can at times be extremely hard to predict."

He continued: "I won't be performing any live shows as Nitzer Ebb, Fixmer/McCarthy or any other vehicle, until I can do so safely and stress-free for myself and the amazing people I have around me who continue to stand by my side in full support of getting me better."

Nitzer Ebb's planned shows at London's fabric and German festival Wave Gotik Treffen in May will still go ahead, but without McCarthy.

McCarthy's statement concluded: "I am very pleased that you, the fans and onlookers, can still experience the splendour and excitement of a Nitzer Ebb performance even in my absence. I'd like to thank you all [for] your continued support and understanding with the Ebb. You are our fanbase and friends."